Our Story
Since 1984, we have partnered with small cottage industries and artisans in Nepal to bring beautiful, ethically crafted goods to North America. Grounded in reciprocity and deep respect, our fair trade wholesale business empowers marginalized individuals, honors local traditions, and helps build vibrant, equitable communities.
Our Story
Since 1984, we have partnered with small cottage industries and artisans in Nepal to bring beautiful, ethically crafted goods to North America. Grounded in reciprocity and deep respect, our fair trade wholesale business empowers marginalized individuals, honors local traditions, and helps build vibrant, equitable communities.
Our Story Through the Years
It All Started with a Few Sweaters
When we arrived in Kathmandu in 1984, we had no idea that the experience would be a defining moment in our lives. Having just graduated from Huxley College of Environmental Studies at Western Washington University, Nepal was one of our first stops on an 8-month trip to see other countries and engage with their environmental movements.
The Himalaya was one of our first explorations. Before departing on a month-long trek into their domain, we bought two wool sweaters from a Tibetan refugee family. We were amazed by how well the sweaters performed in harsh conditions, and when we raved about them to the family, they replied: “Do you know how we can market them?”
Unprepared for that response, we weren't sure what to do, but we recognized that putting money directly in people's hands allowed them to build the lives they wanted. So, with an initial investment of $400, we bought sweaters, hats, and socks and shipped them home to Spokane, Washington. Six months later, returning from our trip and surprised to see the boxes had arrived, we presented a community slideshow and put the Nepali goods out for sale. People loved the items and the concept that these families were making them to send their children to school. It became apparent to us that providing a fair wage and access to the U.S. market could offer economic empowerment. We had made the initial contacts and decided to dive in.
“It is an exciting time for people in Nepal as children grow up, understand their power, recognize the value of fair trade partnerships and take their parents' place in the struggle for justice and equality.”
— Denise Attwood
Our Values
At the heart of Ganesh Himal Trading are long-term relationships based on trust, dialogue, and mutual respect. We work directly with our producers as a team, believing that everyone’s insight and perspective is needed to navigate a changing world and build a more equitable future.
Economic Justice and Mobility
We intentionally partner with producer groups that work with marginalized individuals, such as Tibetan refugees and women. We co-create a world where women have direct control over their finances, are empowered to make their own decisions, and hold a respected voice in all discussions.
Reciprocal Partnerships
Our partnerships are grounded in true reciprocity. For over 40 years, we have prioritized our existing artisan families, securing their ongoing work and supporting their traditions before adding new producer groups to our network.
Holistic Support
We provide safe working conditions, design assistance, and direct financial support. This commitment to security, growth, and well-being extends from our dedicated staff in Spokane and Nepal to our retail partners—many of whom have been with us for over twenty years.
Environmental Care
We believe our planet gives without question and deserves the exact same care in return. We work diligently to establish mutually beneficial practices that protect natural systems, minimize waste, and respect the natural world that sustains us.
Our Impact and Partners
Striving for justice is where our business began. True fair trade extends beyond commercial systems—it means actively facilitating solutions to the systemic, healthcare, and environmental barriers faced by our global communities.
Founded by Ganesh Himal Trading in 2014, CCF is a non-profit dedicated to facilitating the advancement of marginalized individuals in Nepal. By promoting direct access to rural healthcare, education (with a primary focus on girls), skill development, and emergency disaster relief, CCF empowers vulnerable communities to become strong, vibrant, and economically viable.
Since 2019, we have partnered with Eden Reforestation to fund the planting and care of 4,000 trees per year in Nepal. This village-wide initiative works across distinct regions—including a buffer zone for Chitwan National Park—to restore native forests, provide local employment to lift villagers out of extreme poverty, and actively offset our carbon footprint from shipping.
We have been proud members of the Fair Trade Federation since its founding in 1994. The FTF is a community of verified businesses wholly committed to 360-degree fair trade practices. This partnership reinforces our strict compliance with rigorous criteria that protect and strengthen artisan organizations across North America.
Ganesh Himal Trading is a certified member of Green America. This organization focuses on mobilizing consumer and economic action to solve pressing social and environmental problems, helping us align our daily business operations with a larger movement for global sustainability and justice.
